Fayette County will extend school day for eclipse

Fayette County students will be able to view the Aug. 21 eclipse from school if their parents consent. Courtesy WSB

Fayette County students will be able to view the Aug. 21 eclipse from school if their parents consent. Courtesy WSB

Fayette County students will be dismissed an hour later than usual on Aug. 21 because of the solar eclipse. Since the peak of the event will occur around 2:30 p.m. when elementary school students are normally released, the county says it wants to ensure that students and employees are not on the road during that time.

Elementary students will be released at 3:25 p.m., middle schoolers at 4:10 p.m. and high school students at 4:45 p.m. Parents may check their students out of school earlier if they choose. Safety glasses will be provided to students at school so they can view the eclipse, but parents must sign a consent form.